The BOOT 2017

A collection of student voices Untitled By Mukhtar Omar

I am dedicated to ensure I escalated elevated you can say I levitated maybe even detonated but the truth is estimated real or fake fact not fiction another rap from scratch I’ve written the government is like a chain try to break it they’ll be maintained no shame frame other people switch lane to lane despite the leaders our country soon to be betrayed I came to persuade I begin to display It stays on replay but as they use the pawns day by day the government closes the box they always have a way

Ima become a journalist It’ll be permanent I’ll find out the truth Straight to the world news withdrew I still had the dream to pursue overview I looked and turned at every avenue The government got the upper hand in their make-believe cartoon This is reality so please stay tuned Greed and starvation One nation but all they see is domination Competition constantly Uncommon curiosity But soon to be continued the truth will come Frustrated Love by Mulan Chen

I am not frustrated, I am frustration. because my mom works night and day just to further my education, where education is between poster-holding expenses and college-bound generations where the isolation my father gave me and my siblings changed our situations but my dad, my dad is between a dedicated tattoo artist and an alcoholic where him missing felt toxic.

I am not frustrated, I am frustration. because those men promote violence while the sirens protect their blue wall of silence. Where the kids holding picket signs is their rival alliance, where rival alliance is between politics killing kids and having their hands up saying “stop I won’t resist”.

I am not frustrated, I am frustration. because my dad is a metaphor for the men in blue, claims my mom as his wall of silence, yet treats his kids like his tattoo clients.

I am not frustrated, I am frustration. because at a young age my brother and sister became my responsibility, and I had to see my life differently. Where I taught them beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Jesus Christ where I did everything for them out of love, never sacrifice. But my siblings, my siblings are my new beginning.

I am not frustrated, I am frustration. 7EMP7A7ION By Qiantre Parris

I know I’m going places, but I’m leaving with the heathens We in a rush, ain’t no breaks for breathing Not even if we’re beaten and bleeding We are only like this because even when we’re pleading, It’s like our words have no meaning

When I’m up there, I won’t join the trigonometry But I won’t present myself dishonorably, Because honestly, honesty is the key to success

But the boom of the lock dropping has been suppressed Like the voices of the kids in poverty, That have for so long been oppressed They only do this because if they heard what we had to say, They would have no breath left in their chest, All we need to know is that we are truly blessed

The beauty of a forest fire is only temporary, When it leaves, everything becomes very scary You love it because it took away the hate, but the fire was never caring I hated how it could give me so much, but with happiness it was never sharing Now my grip on you is loose, like a professional skater’s bearings

Know My Roots By Lisia Leiato

I am from the deep blue Pacific Ocean The island of palm trees, coconuts, and bananas Most people think of it as a beautiful island that is believed to be incredible Yet my people are suffering day and night just to afford food We come to American shores in search for a better future Yet just to be called FOBS, Fresh off the boat, for speaking broken English Can’t really afford the American style well, Blame that on the $4.52 minimum wage given by the American government that has colonized Samoa But never once felt accepted because my thighs were thicker than average Never had my people succeed in life So they turn their backs and resort to the military, become high school dropouts and gang bangers But never once did I give up on my people So I keep my head up and embrace what my ancestors created. Bad Blood By Alexa Sanchez

Your family The ones you live with happily But in all reality The truth behind it can be a tragedy You see, I never want her to feel like she failed as a mother They didn’t appreciate her raw beauty, my father and brother I never want her to change, I adore her affection We all have our issues but in my eyes she is perfection My father has been gone I was only 9 when he was withdrawn Out of our home by dawn Making the kids feel like we did something wrong My older brother got kicked out Mom and him argued with shouts The drugs were what it was about And it broke my mother’s heart with no doubt Now the oldest daughter Her mother always taught her Love yourself and nothing smaller But her insecurities are like a disorder The family tree doesn’t talk to each other Not even my mom to her own mother Not even my aunt to her own brother If that were me I would suffer To have bad blood with my own blood The sadness would overwhelm like a flood I just want to be surrounded by love But it just seems to not be enough Fifteen By Peachy Lopez

They hate how much I smoke. They hate the way I stink. They hate the way I look. “Ohh,” but they love the way I speak. My creativity is broken down and processed in a swisher sweet. Teachers hate the knowledge that I take in from the street. They wouldn’t ever let me produce the shit I write on a beat. I don’t got a lot of homies neither alotta friends. Oh well fuck it, it’s not like they’ll be there in the end. I’d rather be in the middle, cuz the top don’t sound like a spot for me. I’d rather chill in a nice home, spending money on my family I’m only 15. Smoking up bud, god knows I’m a fiend. It’s all good tho, right? At least, I’m not drinking lean. Effortlessly waking up with the school on my ass about truancy. Shout out to all y’all teachers and peers that believed in me. I’m pushing and pushing, trying to get further away from the streets. Even in the summer we gotta have some kinda heat. Just to walk in the streets comfortably.

Our Society By Iman Dubad

I’m tired of these people in uniforms Beating and killing, thinking they just pulled another score. KKK and the police: aren’t they the same? I mean, they protect their people from the madness, and leave us in the hurricane Are they really going to win? Why do we always sit back and film? Our society Giving us anxiety Living in America is more of a dynasty Invasion of our privacy, silently with authority Don’t know if there’s someone listening on my phone Getting hate on how much you weigh Children are stressed, while teenagers are depressed Government is not infallible Why is this true? Badges pulling triggers only of color Why? I don’t have a clue We need to come together and be as one And show them that years of brutalizing are going to come to an end WE HAVE JUST BEGUN Brown By Loyan (AJ)

Brown, brown, like the dirt at my feet , So I’m dirty? Simply because my skin is a little murky, police feel the need to search me As though my skin is some sort of weapon and I need to be taught a lesson

But I see it as a blessing because despite all the stressing Jesus was blessed with this same weapon

Skin like the dirt but still could be hurt forty days he spent and he learned don't believe it all

Rumors that we will fall as we dissolve The way he foresaw ….DAMN

No matter how many times they say we belong We will long To be at home Where faces are prone To be our tone

So many cops whose sins cannot be atoned So much of our culture being cloned ‘Till we are gone

My mother used to say God is not the author of confusion

So I pray everyday God gives me sight to see through all these illusions And avoid the contusions of losing Losses or lessons Either way leading up to a blessing Dear Parents By Joselyn Hixon

Dear dad,

Why did you leave me at such small age? Why did you make it seem you were gonna come back to stay? Why try to replace five years you missed with toys and gifts? There were so many times I needed you but you weren’t there, you’re too selfish and put your needs first when it should’ve been your kids. Five years passed and you finally call, but at the age of nine I had nothing to say at all. Few more years go by and still no call, but on De- cember 25th my youngest brother was born. And it’s crazy ‘cause you were there for him but not for me. Few more years go by and now I’m 14, I see pictures on Facebook of you playing basketball with my brother and your girlfriend’s daughter. Damn, nice way to disrespect me and my brother. Now I’m 16 and you’re still the same: still no call just to see if I’m okay. Thanks dad for showing me how to live without you, thank you for showing me not to depend on no man, thank you for showing me your actions speak louder than your words, thanks for showing me what the definition of selfish is. Before Adonis came in the picture my mom was more of a man then you were, working all day and going to school at night, and she never left me. Adonis filled all the holes and pain you left me when he showed me the love and caring support that you never did. But once again, thanks dad.

Sincerely, Your daughter

Dear Mama,

Let me start by saying I love you and I appreciate you. I’m sorry I’m not the best kid, I’m sorry I’m hard-headed and don’t listen. I’m sorry for smoking weed, but it’s the only way I can cope with my demons. I’m sorry I skip school and get shitty grades, but Mom I’m trying my best. I really am. I know everyone doubts me and assumes I’m gonna be like my dad. But watch, I’m gonna prove them all wrong and Mama I’m gonna make you proud. I will get my cap and gown and will look at you in the crowd and say “I made it, I did this for you”. Mama thank you for not leaving me, even at my worst times. Thank you for showing me your ways of life. I know you’re tired Mama, I can see it in your eyes, but our struggle is almost over. You got this Mama, you’re strong. And I just want you to know you’re my role model, my best friend, my heart, my soul, my everything. You’re my Mama and nobody can take your place. Just do one thing for me, keep that pretty smile on your face.

Love, Kya Untitled By Dontae McMillan

This is for my Grandma for looking after me ever since day one You know I've been making you proud of me Ever since I was young Been there for me all my life My parents abandoned me But know they gotta pay the price

Everything you bought me I’d be looking nice I’m thankful for you teaching me how to act right Taught me how to be man Taught how to be a good older brother Taught me how to make the right choices

I appreciate you for being my lovable grandma I appreciate you for supporting me when my parents are not there for me I appreciate being your wonderful grandson

I'm gonna make you really proud, Grandma I'm gonna do everything for you when I make it I'm gonna show you that I'm going to exceed in life I'm gonna show you that Ima be a high school graduate I’m gonna show you everything that I can to make you really proud The only thing I wanna say to you is that I love you very much Grandma

Camera By Jayla Harris

Life is like a camera just focus on what’s important and capture the enjoyable moments. Take a picture of every time you go out to eat with friends. Take pictures when you are babysitting. Snapchat when you’re walking your dog. Take pictures of family reunions to capture moments that are unforgettable.

Camera, lights, action! Capture the moments of getting your first pet. Sometimes cameras don’t capture everything like emotions, ghosts.

Camera, lights, action! Filters capture the beauty and fun moments that are viewed by friends.

Camera, lights, action! A camera is one of my favorite things to be on Because it captures moments that you can always Look back on.

Cameras can be annoying when your friends take or post pictures That you look weird in.

It captures the details. Light dark, and melanin. It holds memories in a safe place No worries about “I had no childhood.”

The lenses may be small, while the image is full screen My camera develops but the start is all there The beginning, the middle, the end. CLICK CLICK CLICK. Why do we suffer in poverty? By Ilia Aga

Because of you I had to live a life where being evicted was how I seen my childhood going. Moving from place to place with anxiety was like a bathtub overflowing.

I had to see my family in distress. Seen my mom and dad having trouble Their love was becoming less and less.

My dad left me at the age of 10. Had to figure out how to go on with life without him So I used a paper and pen.

Still living in poverty yet nothing phased me. Haven’t got any calls to see if I’m alright.

The darkness hovers above my family because we can’t afford lights A night containing so much fright Will we have to spend the rest of our lives using a candle light?

So why do we suffer in poverty? You see, my family has helped people in the airport get their baggage, helped people get one place to another. But we get left with less than enough money and we’re still being treated unequal If you look at it this way hard workers are set to be poor or homeless while owners are set to be regal. LOVE OF THE ELEMENTS by Magic Chen and Devonte Antonio Intro By Magic Chen

4 Elements, 1 Definition 4 Elements to help this world avoid total Annihilation 4 Elements to keep this world balanced with no Hesitation.

4 Elements, 1 Meaning. 1 Meaning with no, one size better fit all, like a glove For it is something people cherish and people look for Which is Love.

Words you will hear words so elegant For it is not just love but rather the, Love Of The Elements.

EARTH (Love of the Elements) By Devonte Antonio

She keeps me from straying too far from her She has so much beauty that I cling to her Her atmosphere is great, she fills me with joy She's not fake; it's not a ploy She will never destroy My feelings I employ I live with her; she lives with me She's seen my love, money, and greed But still looks at me in envy She'll never take me for granted But I can't say the same I've lived on Earth so long It's not shame, it's pain But she still loves me she explained Exclaiming saying she isn't ashamed Now as I sit in dismay I fade into the planet called Earth And wait for judgement day WATER (Love of the Elements) By Magic Chen

Hair flowing smoothly, As though it were from a movie, I see...I see her there, looking like the powerful god, Neptune. Words silent, as though it turned night in my bedroom, I know...I know she notices I care for her, Nothing in this world, but her, I would prefer. Trying to talk, but all I get is hesitation. Trying to get my thoughts to flow, like a river reaching its destination.

Down on my knees, please hear my plea. I want to be able to break free, and ride the Seven Seas with her, So that I can find out if she is the key to breaking me free, I hear...I hear my thoughts, as they scream to be written on paper and ink. Wanting to find the link to the brink of my mind, In order to help me rethink, and keep my thoughts in sync.

Calling my mom for care, I know she’ll deliver, Because my thoughts of the girl she certainly felt. Remembering her getting cancer it gave me shivers, But I helped her through her illness, so she can flow like a river, And now, she can help.

EARTH (Love of the Elements) My mom asks if I have a girl or not; By Devonte Antonio Of course I don’t. I thought I could ask the girl, but words didn’t come up. Thoughts spilling all over, like water from a cup. She keeps me from straying too far from her But I...But I know I wasn’t built to hide away forever She has so much beauty that I cling to her Wherever, and whoever I was with Getting me to talk about the girl, well, I plead the fifth. Her atmosphere is great, she fills me with joy Because I wanted to say something before our class dismissed, She's not fake; it's not a ploy But I...But I couldn’t. She will never destroy People telling me I got a gift to give, My feelings I employ Is that gift enough for a kiss? I live with her; she lives with me Asking myself, She's seen my love, money, and greed “Are you cool, like the seven seas you promised to show her?” “Are you gonna give a lecture to her about each one, as though you taught literature?” But still looks at me in envy All this drama feels like a blur, She'll never take me for granted Waiting for another moment like this to recur, But I can't say the same Wondering, “Is fear the life you’d prefer?” “Or are you ready to grow out of it, like a Douglas Fir ?” I've lived on Earth so long It's not shame, it's pain It’s okay to take chances, much like the rapper, But she still loves me she explained What I’m going to say to her, it will matter. I’ll look towards her and say, Exclaiming saying she isn't ashamed “You make my thoughts flow, like the water cycle” Now as I sit in dismay I fade into the planet called Earth She sits and stares in utter silence, I look at her knowing she is full of shyness. And wait for judgement day She wants to bring her barrier down, like a wall. She finally finds a way when she looks and says, “Baby steps Magic, it’s okay to start small. Soon you’ll flow gently, just like a massive Waterfall.” WIND (Love of the Elements) By Devonte Antonio

I can feel her emotions flow into me like I’m breathing in air She was really cute so I showed her kindness I knew I was the one to be her guidance We might just sit back relax and talk about the make believe But she always be the one I see She might flow by me like the wind to the trees But I’ll always be there and show her my feelings She’ll deal with all my dealings that I’ve been meeting And teaching her all my teachings in the evening So I inhale and breathe, thinking she’s done so much for me She’s the wind and air so pretty much I can’t compare And I’ve come to find that that’s fair So I exhale and she turns into thin air

FIRE (Love of the Elements) By Magic Chen

Spirit so bright, It almost gave people frights, For they thought it was their last night.

But her soul burns, as you look at it from a distance, looking like a candlelight. Skin as pale as the night, yet her hair burns with inferno like curls. I know she isn’t your typical teenage girl, I see...I see her wings expand, just like a graceful Phoenix. Standing with confidence, almost showing no weakness. Leaving people with joyful tears, as though they needed some Kleenex, I feel...I feel my soul ignite, releasing my inner flame, Filling me with confidence, something I could not even tame. It seemed to grow more than Donald Trump’s fame, I know...I know inside her mind she still lives in fear, It seemed like her future was a dirty mirror: Unclear. Unclear about her path, still wondering about her past. Wondering will I make this moment ever last. She sits calmly, searching for an answer, I never knew a Phoenix would lay in defeat. Looks turned to worry, questions not answered. She thought her life was incomplete. Looked like she needed a moment of silence, But in reality, the flame no one could put out just needed a little guidance. It seemed hate consumed her thoughts, Thinking she were in the wrong spot Believing her life was full of cruelty But, in my eyes, I see her as the definition of true beauty Her eyes showing her true self, with pupils like a blaze Making my thoughts confuse me, as though I were in a maze Searching for the closest way to her heart, it seemed unlikely Trying to persuade her, like the love from Aphrodite.

Thinking I could tame the fire no one could put out, though it seemed unlikely Not able to see the path, making me move around blindly Wondering if I should prepare a speech, as if ready to read a monologue, Thinking as smoke clears the area, covering it like fog.

I see the Phoenix wounded, with no injury. Thinking to myself, “how will I soothe this fiery spirit’s misery?” How could I help the fire no one could put out The more I looked towards her, the more my soul wanted to jump and shout And the more it relieved some of my self doubt Making my soul grow, just like a sprout.

She looks at me, as I do to her Thinking, nothing else in life, I would prefer, But this moment. This moment of silence, giving her a little guidance Finally taming the fire no one could put out, leaving people in silence.

Looking and asking, “how did you tame the flame?” Looking and responding, “you only have yourself to blame” Not able to stand up, something that they could not foresee. Now look at me, taming this Phoenix, and finally, setting her free. CLOSURE (Love of the Elements) By Magic Chen

Just got done dealing with Mother Earth, Flowed with Neptune, just to see what it was worth. Feeling that energy push me, like the force of the wind, Making me write a poem filled with fire, Thinking it was a new Discipline.

Every second spent, you know it caught your attention With words looking like craftsmanship, no need for an intervention. Elements help to keep the world balanced, call it Equilibrium We got enough thoughts to drop another Album. A poem or a stanza guaranteed it gonna be an Anthem Showing the definition of love, call it our Emblem.

Love Of The Elements words so Elegant Putting both together as though they were both Relevant. Great minds think alike I guess that's the word Placing our thoughts on paper and ink and not leaving it unheard.

Had to write a poem for this program, you know we had to contribute. We’ll see you next year, until then, To Be Continued……. Overcoming Challenges By Edwin Garcia

How am I going to do this? How should I do this? What if I fail? What should I do? What can I do? Is there a second chance? Can I overcome these Challenges?

There is no other choice, I have to and I will. I will work hard to overcome these challenges. I will have no fear. I will succeed. I am Success.

When I succeed, many people will be proud of me. I will have things I could never get for myself. I will do things for myself and for the ones who helped me overcome these challenges. I will be somebody. Happiness will arrive. Nothing will stop me.

My Brothers By Kevin Pham

I love my brothers. They always have my back, like a backpack. My brothers were with me when I was down, I promise you we coming up. If I ever get in trouble, They defend me like a castle. Whenever I fall, My brothers are always there to pick me up, like UPS. Whenever I ask for help they always help me like a teacher. Me and my brothers always chilling like a freezer. Thanks my brothers! Police Brutality By Jeniyah Calloway

1,134….. It seems like just a number But when you’re put into a system where you’re set up to fail you sit and wonder Who am I? What is my purpose? Why was I put on this blue textured sphere? I’m not here to make friends, I’m not here to sell dreams, but something is pumping through my body like fear See, we ruin neighborhoods, you ruin continents Then you spread our blood around our house like we’re some sort of condiment Mad at us for not snitching, yet you hold up your blue wall of silence You need a whole life evaluation, we just need a little guidance Every Black life taken a year, that’s what the number means And I hope you didn’t forget it, but it’s kind of what it seems, Black bodies found buried and sitting in streams And you’re telling us there’s hope and we should follow our dreams? It’s funny that you say that since school is where all of our time is spended Graduating from high school, applying for college, and then BOOM! It all ended “Our job here is to serve and protect” Nahh, your job here is to beat and neglect I’m sorry I’m a light-skinned Black, now am I being too real?! You say “This land was discovered” Nahh it was just here for you to steal The same people who say slavery is no longer legal Are the same ones who tell us not to spread our wings, yet our nation’s animal is an eagle Growing up without our fathers since they’re snatched out of our homes Can’t teach us about life, so we gotta learn it on our own Times are rough you never know what you might face Have a nice day and you better stay safe “Black” By Da’Quarious Smith

Yes I’m Black Doesn’t mean I’m vulnerable to attack That’s something they always seem to track I’m just like you, a human, But you’re seeing the wrong image like an illusion Red blood, emotions, just another moving figure So why should you treat me like I’m about to pull a trigger

Born into the color of my skin I was not made for jail A lifetime full of trials and tribulations hitting me like hail I didn’t create sagging I didn’t create gang banging So why would you wanna put the worst on me To get me jailed, tortured But you still can’t put down a Black kid like me

Father By Lexi

Loyalty and respect tattooed on your hands written in cursive The name dick tattooed on your forearm But it should be on your forehead Disgusting little bastard Disguising yourself from others They don’t know your deceiving ways.

The father you never were Because the drugs controlled your brain cells Double crossing your own family is who you are Stealing money and dealing drugs is what pushed me away Leaving my six year old sister on the streets And you think you’re a father? But that’s not the name you deserve Posing as someone who’s loving But you’re just dozing off sleeping on this family that you never deserved

To you I’m not even your daughter And that’s what boils my blood Telling the court you don’t want me It’s fine I don’t need you in the long run. Where I’m From By Lisa Gascon

It’s getting harder to recognize where I’m from

It took decades for houses to made into a home But now my neighborhood is filled with hard hat zones First it starts with a cute, overpriced gourmet coffee shop Then wealthy developers barged in, requesting an increased presence of cops “We promise to upgrade this neighborhood and make it glorious (but we’ll raise the rent, cause displacement, and proclaim U$ victorious!)”

Then comes the boutique pet store and eco-friendly bicycle shops In comes the microbreweries with specialty beer made out of specialty hops That old house over there? It was converted to a new yoga studio Where the rich stretch out their limbs from their crowns to their pedicured toes

Single family homes with backyards and porches Replaced with high-rise condo units and boxed in fortresses Skinny townhomes constructed on what used to be called the wilderness And you wonder why cougars and bears stalk your garbage with vigilance?

$80,000 homes were affordable to working families in the eighties Now go for more than half a million dollars, ain’t that crazy? Neighbors used to consist of every race, creed, and color Turned into yuppy folks disrupting our community infrastructure They keep pushing us out, further and further Waving their dollar signs like a magic wand converter

It’s getting harder to recognize where I’m from It causes me headaches, hurting my cerebrum The tsunami of “progress” is leaving us drowned They redlined us in, now they’re redlining us out

The changes in my neighborhood are happening so fast Soon, the memories I have of it will only exist in an old photograph Curly Queens By Nia Cole

To the little girl who straightened her every cruel curl that cursed her world Society silently beat her in a box she couldn’t fit in The lies she told herself only spoke louder in her years of school Day by day her self esteem got lower and lower She has a damaged soul When the mirror is clear She is foggy I was that little girl

Comparing myself to others was my hobby Why does that bitch have that light weight, straight, long, strong, flowing hair that’s on the Victoria’s Secret commercials? And I have this short kinky madness, weird shaped, nappy natted shit I want to be that bitch

But one day I got tired of trying to be a copy I dug deep into my roots Started asking myself questions Like.. wtf is good hair? Why did I hate my hair in the first place? Taking care of my mane is like meditation Mind,body, and soul healing An indescribable feeling But when I’d walk into a room The mood would completely change As if I were Kunta Kinte himself But my hair is a political statement I am no longer apart of the white enslavement

To the people who told me to fix my hair, And taunted me for it I’m making up for all the times I was unspoken You cannot fix what was never broken Rise up black girls, Embrace those naps and curls The Love For My Family By Jalanie McMillan

I love my brothers like a twin, when we are against the world, we will always win.

Our bond is like a stream of god’s energy. The protection we have for each other is like a forcefield that deflects off all atomic weapons.

Niggas get knocked down when we run that at the park. The fights be so intense, it’s like a battle between dolphins and sharks. We may smoke weed but in the end, we will all succeed.

As you see, we are just a group of black young men all we just want in life is to make as much money as we can.

Some of us didn’t have our fathers around to hold us. Is that a shame now that i see what life is like, it’s no game. We don’t get treated the same, so i guess we are gonna have to man up as a group and deal with that pain.

I love u brothers. Untitled By Moises Sevilla

Blacks killing Blacks Chicanos killing Chicanos While we got Americanos hating on marijaunos The War On Drugs Was set to discriminate against my people I also can’t forget about all my Black people Black and Brown pride! Put us together and we’re both lethal I speak for my people We sell drugs cause that’s all we know

Going to school didn’t show us how to run the show Living in a white man’s world

Didn’t really talk to us about police Or Tell us their true side, that we never seen Or Where not to walk in the street Or Whether to tell me what skin color I have to be So these cops won’t be harassing me

Living in the slums With no jobs to hunt Momma got a hunch Don’t want me selling drugs Can’t seem to make my money the right way Gotta thank the government for throwing life away Locked Up By Rahwa Abraham

Dark cell Wall covered, gang signs everywhere. Free her, Free him, all over the walls, But nobody really knows I’m here.

Woke up at 8, Locked up Get ready in your cell That’s fucked up. Hurry up and line up. Hands behind your back. I’m sad for thinking My own family really had my back.

Walk in a straight line No looking back One security walking us I thought kindergarten was way back Straight to school, Not really school I meant a basement, but it’s all cool

5 classes Kind of like real school But how would you feel Showing up in a blue on blue jumpsuit Yeah we get time between classes But we’re just back to the cages And what they expect us to do, Some gymnastics?

Back to class, here we go again Back to the line and no I don’t need you to hold my hand Sorry security, Please don’t write me up I’m not tryna have the judge see it And expect to extend the clock I’ve already done enough Wait………. Excuse my words I meant accused enough But it’s still all absurd. They say I don’t eat much But they got it all wrong I eat alright. I’m just picky And that’s real talk. Knowing that, You think ima eat your shit? I know it’s juvi, but you can’t just serve me spit.

Juvi juvi juvi It’s a bad hideaway. They think it works for the Bad groupies. But trust me, You don’t know me. And when you work for me later on You’re gonna plead you’re guilty!!

I am not accused. I am accusations. I am not a suspect, They just say I do things. I am not a delinquent. I am delinquency. The whole court system stays having their eyes on me.

I am not irritated. I am irritation. Don’t say my name, If you’re just tryna disturb my patience. Attitude is a big setback. I’m bothering you? Oops, I dont give 2 fucks

I don’t start fires. I am a fighter. I fight for my rights I fight with or without others by my side . I fight the rules they give me. But then I’m wanted, See why I’m angry? What happened to it’s a free world Say it all. But the “heroes” get offended And now you’re a know-it-all

All I’m tryna say is, the system’s fucked up, but lemme say no more before I get my ass locked up. Unfree Labor By Ramon Jimenez

I make everything you see But never am I free I am undocumented and illegal A servant to all the wealthy people I am labeled dangerous and criminal But the way you treat me is unforgivable

I construct massive structures Risking pain and fractures Building high rises, hotels and schools But, men with money only see me as their tool I clean your house, I pick your crops While you make bad choices at the ballot box I make everything you use Yet you demonize me on the news

I bend iron and mend bricks Never do I get to take trips Instead my boss plays tricks Working low wage and high risk But I stay poor as I work two jobs Every check I cash, I get robbed I make homes that I will never afford, You can see me running from the landlord

I am not permitted to protest, One phone call leads to one arrest Agents of ICE kicking down my door Chained and cuffed straight to the floor On a one way flight to El Salvador That same place you backed a civil war, Planned politically pernicious plots, And supported diabolic death squads

I know you want us gone Yet we are 11 million strong We will rise and organize Demanding equal rights, no compromise If we stop working, you go hungry, So good luck building up your country Money Isn’t Everything By Selesa Taamu

Money cannot make me forget about the time you left, Just so you could go out and get drunk again. Money cannot make me forget about the times you’ve treated me more like a friend than a daughter. You didn’t even care if I skipped school, or if I smoked. But I know what you did care about: my appearance You made sure I had new clothes, the newest shoes, everything. You tried sweetening me up by buying me whatever I wanted so I’d forget about you not coming home the next day. I still don’t get why you chose to drink, when you knew it was just going to make you sick. No matter how many times you’ve ended up in the hospital, with a tube down your throat, you still kept hurting yourself. Not only yourself, but also us, your kids. We all sat there and cried, wondering why you would let this happen again. I’m tired mom, tired of wanting to spend time with you Tired of wanting you to make the right choices for yourself. But at the end of the day, you’re still my mom and I love you more than ever. Even if you feel like everyone is against you. The Illusion Of Happiness By Shreveinna Saran

I am not depressed I am depression I am the many questions that doctors ask after every blood draw session

I am not sad I am sadness I am sick and tired of this madness

I am not a victim I am victimization I am the never ending effect of this killer depression I am the little voice in your head telling you to give up, You're not worth the fight, Nobody will ever love you, And that is why you are always gonna get hurt. It'll be just like all the people you ever loved and cared about that have ever left you. You will always be alone. Live alone. Die alone.

I am not abandoned I am abandonment I am your minds crushing dismantlement The fear that runs through your blood, The shivering cold sensation that tingles down your spine when you're awake, Crying yourself to sleep at night, Wondering why, "IT'S YOU"

I am not "used" I am useless But even knowing this, did it ever trigger my rudeness All of people's words and actions just became meaningless Truthless Dear Mama By Trinidad Garnica

Sorry I’m not a perfect young son, never listening to all the good advice you always told me, getting suspended in school year after year, getting into fights all the time, skipping school day after day, never getting good grades, being in the streets from am to pm, smoking weed with my day 1 bros, always texting me and telling me to come home already, but mama, one day you’ll see me graduating, walking across the stage with my diploma, working and making my own money, living in my own house, and driving my own car.

Mama I appreciate all the things you have done for me like cooking me tacos, and soup when I’m sick taking care of me when I couldn’t, and being there for me when I needed you. Une(A)rthed This is a selection from a storytelling project by Matthew Hamilon.

Imagine it is Aug 10, 2217. 200 years from now. You are 17 years old.

You are walking through a dense forest covering the ruins of the King County juvenile detention center. The purple webs of the post-arachnids glow in the trees. They mutated from spiders during a genetic engineering experiment back in the 21st century, and now they have their own internet, sharing in- formation in their webs. Luckily, these ones are friendly to humans, and they want to help us fix our mistakes.

In a clearing up ahead, you notice the wreckage of a drone someone must have shot down during the revolution. You wonder if the shooters were youth trying to escape the juvenile plantation. A gentle swarm of antgrass wanders in circles around the rusting drone. It’s also a mutant species, evolving to help the planet heal, and it seems to sense the atrocity toxins in this land. As your stomach tightens, so do you.

You came to this place with your friend A.Q. You have a crush on A.Q., and you are admiring the patterns the tree shadows make on their back, trying to guess what they are feeling right now. The two of you have been learning about this place in preparation for your rite of passage, where you earn the tattoos made of post-arachnid ink that all adults in your community wear. You have come here with other youth to prepare together by researching and doing healing rituals.

You’re in a hurry to earn your tattoos, because you want to share them with A.Q. The tattoos can change colors and patterns, revealing the emotions and soul energy moving through your bodies – but only when you both want it to happen. You and A.Q. have asked around about it, and people say that opening tattoos to each other is more exciting than sex or drugs.

But to earn your tattoos you will have to face the the painful past of places like this. At any point in your journey you might be bitten by a certain species of post-arachnid, and when it chooses you with its bite, you will hallucinate the stories of past generations: the oppression, trauma, dreams, and moments of rebellion that gave birth to your world.

You are scared that if you are bitten in a place like this, you might hallucinate the early 21st century, when the government used to lock youth in cages. You look down at the ruins of those cells, broken open and covered in moss and detoxifying mushrooms. It’s a fear you need to face, and you know when you come back to the present moment your elders will hold you safe, helping you heal. They will guide you into adulthood. Then you will finally be able to share moments of ecstasy with A.Q., who looks back at you with a smile as you brush the gentle webs away from your face. Now imagine it’s Aug 16, 2217, 6 days later.

There is no history class, only the coming of age ritual. You are preparing for it by studying historical artifacts, sorting through objects that were buried in mud when Mt. Rainier erupted. You are curious about the youth who they used to lock in those cells back when the USA still existed, the youth who the schools used to fail, who the police used to harass and the adults used to abandon. So many people talked about them, but what did they have to say about their own lives? You open up a time capsule someone had sealed, and in it you find a copy of a booklet that looks like the one you are holding now. It was called the Boot, written in the summer of 2017.

After you read it, you can’t stop thinking about it. What if the post-arachnids make you hallucinate some of the stories these remarkable youth shared in their poems? Would you be able to handle it?

In their pictures they don’t look much different from you; despite their odd 21st century styles they have the same skin tones as you and your friends. But you’ve lived free since birth in a community without police, where everyone looks out for each other; you wonder what it must feel like to have an armed oppressor treat your skin like a weapon. You have a whole village of healthy elders raising you. What was it like for these young poets when their parents abandoned them, lost between conviction and addiction?

And how were they able to express so much dignity and power in the face of it all? How did they resolve conflicts among each other without calling the police? How did they support each other to open up, when their skin had become so thick with pain?

You scan the internet archivesand find that some of the youth who wrote these poems later went on to participate in the movements that abolished the Washington State Prison System and the Seattle Police Department. This was part of the Revolution that finally ended global capitalism in the late 21st century, bringing abundance and peace through solar power. The minute you discover this you send A. Q. a holographic text message, full of emoji hiero- glyphics expressing your excitement to encounter these historic poems.

Then you write your own poem, sending love back in time to the youth from 2017, the youth who built the world that you are about to inherit. You tell the post-arachnids that you’d be honored to experience these ancestors’ stories in your body, even if you end up with some scars in your tattoos. You pray to enter adulthood inspired by the courage these young people showed in their poems and their lives. Thank you to our community supporters: Southwest Youth & Family Services staff, Summer Youth Employment, Department of Education and Early Learning, Husky Deli, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, Eileen Norton, Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Inititiative and all of our wonderful community partners.

Southwest Youth & Family Services partners with youth and families to tranform their futures.

For more information, please visit www.swyfs.org, email [email protected] or call 206.937.7680.

4555 Delridge Way SW, Seattle WA 98106